Antoine Winfield Jr. forces goal line fumble to keep Buccaneers level with Panthers
Antoine Winfield Jr. made an incredible play to keep Tampa Bay level with the Panthers in a must-win game on Sunday afternoon.
Facing a 3rd down with the score tied at 0, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young found receiver DJ Chark down the left sideline. Just before Chark crossed the goal line, Winfield flew in to force the fumble.
After initially being ruled a touchdown on the field, replay officials overturned the call. Tampa Bay had a clear recovery in the end zone, so the Bucs took over possession as well.
Here’s a replay of Winfield’s effort:
Touchdown or fumble on this play?
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/P0sMSavjOb
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 7, 2024
Tampa Bay is in a must-win situation on Sunday against the 2-14 Panthers. If the Bucs win, they will head to the playoffs as NFC South champions. A loss would eliminate Tampa from postseason contention.
This was Winfield’s 6th forced fumble of the season. Winfield entered this game with 117 tackles, 5 sacks and 12 pass deflections on the season.
Winfield, a Minnesota product, is in his 4th NFL season.